One of the qualities of a great coach is the ability to make a decision and to live with it. Coach Joe Kennedy was a high school football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington State before he was suspended for praying. Kennedy began his prayer tradition of kneeling on the 50-yard line at the end of football games in 2008 and was fired in 2015. Though he didn’t require his players to join him, he waited until everyone was off the field to pray silently, and members of his team often joined him. He never encouraged or even invited players to join him in prayer, but those who did—did so voluntarily.

Joe Kennedy made the decision to stand firm and fight for his right to pray. Several briefs were filed on his behalf, including ones from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 12 Attorney generals, legendary football coach Bobby Bowden, and 15 members of Congress.

1 Corinthians 16 – Stand Strong

Paul wraps up his epistle to the Corinthians by encouraging them to stand firm in their faith with love for the Lord and hope for His coming (16:13-24). Standing firm in today’s chaotic world is difficult. While you might never be fired for praying and appeal it to the Supreme Court, you will however, will have to stand firm on other decisions you make as a coach. Standing firm will be a challenge for many Christian coaches. Whether it’s Satan’s assaults on your faith or society’s bent toward ungodliness, this is the time to stand strong.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete view themselves as a disciple of Christ following the marching orders by the Apostle Paul, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Cor. 16:13-14). They remain alert to what is happening around them and use discernment when making decisions.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1

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